Frequently Asked Questions / FAQs
Acronyms: LGBTQ+, GLBT, LGBTQIAN2S+, and more
AN *INCLUSIVE* WARM WELCOME! This site is for everyone interested in literature and film. It began in 1997 as “GLBT Literature,” when there was little consensus on which acronym best fit the diverse, and growing, community. Happily, we now have the more complete LGBTQ+, with a wonderfully inclusive + that expands to LGBTQIAN2S+ for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Nonbinary, Two Spirit, Plus More, including all the amazing Straight Allies, and those who choose no labels. All part of our shared humanity, that can be enriched through all of the arts, sciences, and our unique personal experiences. To Life!
Diversity
I respect – and celebrate – the vital diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, that includes genders, races, global and local cultures, millennia of world history, and more. If you have a question, for example which pronoun(s) a person uses for themself, ask respectfully. We’re all in this world together, trying to make it a better, more inclusive place where everyone can flourish!
LGBTQ+ Focus
My evolving essay, Why a LGBTQ+ Focus?
“Old” works that are offensive but historically important
THIS IS A FIRST DRAFT (March 21, 2021)! One topic I’m working on is, How to deal with “old” works from a historical period whose values do not support inclusiveness and diversity, including gender, race, class, different belief systems, and more. I strongly believe in treating everyone with respect and kindness: the universal Golden Rule – treat others how you want to be treated. I also believe strongly in discussing ideas rather than censoring them, not least when offensive ideas play a part in foundational historical literature. For example, Plato and Lincoln were part of societies self-cursed by slavery; and some of the authors I focus on here – such as Fassbinder, Pasolni, and Jarman – go deeply, and personally, into dark emotional places that I only ever want to visit through the arts. But I do want to understand what is, as Joris-Karl Huysmans put it, “down there.” Also worth considering is the idea that by discussing even painful topics, through works of literature or film, it can make us more resilient, and better able to empathize with the people who lived, or still live, with such trauma – some of whom may find such safe re-encounters to be useful to their own healng. I am also concerned about the many forms taken by what seems the root of all evil – including racism, sexism, and homophobia – dehumanization. But always, treat everyone with respect, understanding, and kindness.